Interchangeable optics for a head-mounted display

ABSTRACT

A head-mounted display that is modular and configured for securement to an item of headwear is provided. The head-mounted display may comprise a selection of components that are desired for a particular application, such as a display boom, camera, microphone, position-tracking component, etc., and may include an attachment mechanism for securing the selection of components to the item of headwear. The head-mounted display may include a display module having a corresponding display characteristic that provides a visual display and/or display functionality that is appropriate for a particular application. The display module may include a micro display that is non-transparent and/or a waveguide optic that is at least partially transparent, and may be configured to provide an augmented reality display for a user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related by subject matter to the following U.S.Patent Applications filed on the same date: U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/390,389, entitled “CONTEXT BASED CONTENT NAVIGATION FOR AWEARABLE DISPLAY”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/390,380, entitled“MODULAR COMPONENTS FOR A HEAD-MOUNTED DISPLAY;” U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/390,191, entitled “HANDS-FREE NAVIGATION OF TOUCH-BASEDOPERATING SYSTEMS;” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/390,375,entitled “ARTICULATING COMPONENTS FOR A HEAD-MOUNTED DISPLAY.” Each ofthese applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The field relates to head-mounted displays.

BACKGROUND

Head-mounted displays are sometimes used to allow a user to mounttechnology on or around their head, allowing the user to transport anduse different technologies with greater ease and flexibility.Head-mounted displays also allow a user to have interaction with thetechnology while otherwise remaining engaged in other tasks. However, incertain circumstances, a head-mounted display with greater flexibility,modularity, and mountability, among other aspects, is needed.

SUMMARY

This summary is intended to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription section of this disclosure. This summary is not intended toidentify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor isit intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimedsubject matter.

In brief, and at a high level, this disclosure describes, among otherthings, a head-mounted display having a modular design that allows anumber of different components to be used in an interchangeable fashion,and additionally, describes an attachment mechanism for securing thehead-mounted display to an item of headwear appropriate for a particularapplication, such as one requiring head, eye, and/or ear protection.Exemplary components used with a head-mounted display may include acomputer processor, a display boom, a camera, and/or a display module,for example. The display module may be releasably attachable to thehead-mounted display, and may be configured to provide a selecteddisplay characteristic. Different display modules may be used to providedifferent display characteristics and functionality, and as such, ahead-mounted display that may be used in a variety of differentapplications is provided.

In one embodiment of the present technology, a head-mounted display isprovided. The head-mounted display comprises a base, a display boomhaving a first end and a second end, the display boom movably coupled tothe base at the second end, a display module coupled to the first end ofthe display boom, one or more computer processors communicativelycoupled to the display module, a power source, and an attachmentmechanism for releasably securing the display module, the display boom,the one or more computer processors, and the power source to an item ofheadwear. The attachment mechanism comprises one or more rigid couplingelements and one or more securing straps coupled to the one or morerigid coupling elements for securing about the item of headwear.

In another embodiment of the present technology, a head-mounted displayis provided. The head-mounted display comprises a display boomcomprising a first end and a second end, a display module coupled to thedisplay boom between the first end and the second end, one or morecomputer processors communicatively coupled to the display module, apower source connected to the one or more computer processors and to thedisplay module, and an attachment mechanism for releasably securing thedisplay module, the display boom, the one or more computer processors,and the power source to an item of headwear. The attachment mechanismcomprises one or more rigid coupling elements and one or more securingstraps coupled to the one or more rigid coupling elements for securingabout the item of headwear. The one or more rigid coupling elementscomprise at least a first rigid coupling element having a firstrotatable coupling secured to the first end of the display boom and asecond rigid coupling element having a second rotatable coupling securedto the second end of the display boom.

In another embodiment of the present technology, a head-mounted displayis provided. The head-mounted display comprises a display boomcomprising a first end and a second end, a display module coupled to thedisplay boom at the first end, and a sound-dampening ear-cover assemblycoupled to the display boom at the second end, the sound-dampeningear-cover assembly comprising a first portion and a second portion thatare movably coupled to each other, the sound-dampening ear-coverassembly adjustable between a first configuration and a secondconfiguration. In the first configuration, the first portion and thesecond portion are in a first position relative to each other. In thesecond configuration, the first portion and the second portion are in asecond position relative to each other. The head-mounted display furthercomprises one or more computer processors communicatively coupled to thedisplay module and a power source connected to the one or more computerprocessors and to the display module.

In another embodiment of the present technology, a head-mounted displayhaving interchangeable components is provided. The head-mounted displaycomprises a first display module having a first corresponding displaycharacteristic, a display boom comprising a first end and a second end,the display boom movably coupled to a base located at the second end,one or more computer processors communicatively coupled to the firstdisplay module, a power source connected to the one or more computerprocessors, and a releasable coupling. The releasable coupling comprisesa first mateable coupling and a second mateable coupling, the firstmateable coupling located at the first end of the display boom, and thesecond mateable coupling located on the first display module. The firstand second mateable couplings are releasably securable to each other.

In another embodiment of the present technology, a head-mounted displayhaving interchangeable components is provided. The head-mounted displaycomprises a first display module having a first corresponding displaycharacteristic, the first display module configured to provide multipleviewing states, a display boom comprising a first end and a second end,the display boom movably coupled to a base located at the second end,one or more computer processors communicatively coupled to the firstdisplay module, a power source connected to the one or more computerprocessors, and a releasable coupling. The releasable coupling comprisesa first mateable coupling and a second mateable coupling, the firstmateable coupling located at the first end of the display boom and thesecond mateable coupling located on the first display module. The firstand second mateable couplings are releasably securable to each other.

In another embodiment of the present technology, a method of adjusting ahead-mounted display is provided. The method comprises providing ahead-mounted display comprising a display boom having a first end and asecond end, the display boom movably coupled to a base located at thesecond end, one or more computer processors, a power source, a firstdisplay module configured to provide multiple viewing states, and areleasable coupling comprising a first mateable coupling and a secondmateable coupling, the first mateable coupling located at the first endof the display boom and the second mateable coupling located on thefirst display module. The method further comprises releasably securingthe first display module to the display boom by securing the firstmateable coupling to the second mateable coupling.

As used in this disclosure, the term “display module” includes anycomponent used with a head-mounted display that is configured to providea display characteristic that is viewable to a user. A “displaycharacteristic” includes any viewable characteristic, such as a displaystate (e.g., transparent, partially transparent, non-transparent,selectively transparent, interactive, text/image/video presenting,etc.), a display type (e.g., an optic, waveguide optic, digital display,micro display (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emittingdiode (LED) display, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display,digital light processing (DLP) display, etc.), or any combinationthereof, etc.), a display configuration (e.g., one or multiple displayportions of the same or different type, display portions at differentangles, display portions in different arrangements, etc.), and/ortechnical specifications of the display portion (e.g., resolution,pixels per inch, size, parallax, contrast, color depth, refresh rate,etc.), in addition to other display characteristics. The precedingexamples are intended to be exemplary and non-limiting.

As used in this disclosure, the term “attachment mechanism” includes anyone or a combination of components, separate or interconnected,configured to releasably secure, attach, affix, join, mount, and/orsuspend from an item of headwear, and/or a user's head, variouscomponents of a head-mounted display, such as those discussed herein. Anattachment mechanism may include one or more of straps, clips,spring-based elements, screw-based elements, male-female connectors,elastically deformable elements, buttons, hooks, hook-and-loopfasteners, tensioning mechanisms (e.g., biasing elements, etc.),adhesives, and/or suspending elements (e.g., hangers, hooks, straps,harnesses, etc.). The preceding examples are intended to be exemplaryand non-limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present technology is described in detail herein with reference tothe attached figures, which are exemplary and non-limiting in nature,wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary computing environment for use with a head-mounteddisplay, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 2A is an exemplary head-mounted display mounted on an item ofheadwear, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 2B is an exploded version of the head-mounted display depicted inFIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 2C depicts the head-mounted display of FIGS. 2A-2B with a displayboom moved between different positions, in accordance with an embodimentof the present technology;

FIGS. 3A-3B depict exemplary movable couplings for a display boom of ahead-mounted display, in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology;

FIG. 3C depicts a partial, cross-section view of a releasable couplingfor a display boom of a head-mounted display, in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 3D depicts the releasable coupling of FIG. 3C engaged for releasingthe display boom, in accordance with an embodiment of the presenttechnology;

FIG. 4A is an angled, perspective, cross-section view of a strap of anattachment mechanism of a head-mounted display, in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 4B is a partial, cross-section view of a component of ahead-mounted display configured for securement to the strap depicted inFIG. 4A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 5A depicts an exemplary spring-based tensioning mechanism, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 5B depicts an exemplary screw-based tensioning mechanism, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 5C depicts an elastically-deformable tensioning mechanism, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 6A depicts a partial, cross-section view of a releasable couplingfor a display boom, in accordance with an embodiment of the presenttechnology;

FIG. 6B depicts the releasable coupling of FIG. 6A engaged to release aportion of the display boom, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent technology;

FIGS. 7A-7B depict an exemplary strap-based tensioning mechanism for ahead-mounted display, in accordance with an embodiment of the presenttechnology;

FIGS. 8A-8B depict an exemplary head-mounted display mounted on an itemof headwear, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIGS. 9A-9B depict exemplary display modules, in accordance withembodiments of the present technology;

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary head-mounted display mounted on an item ofheadwear, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 11 depicts a harness-coupling component attached to an item ofheadwear, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIGS. 12A-12B depict an exemplary sound-dampening ear-cover assemblywithout a display boom, in accordance with an embodiment of the presenttechnology;

FIGS. 13A-13B depict a partial, cross-section view of thesound-dampening ear-cover assembly shown in FIGS. 12A-12B, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present technology;

FIGS. 14A-14B depict the sound-dampening ear-cover assembly of FIGS.12A-12B with a display boom mounted at different locations, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIGS. 15A-15B depict exemplary releasable couplings for a displaymodule, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology;

FIGS. 16A-16C depict a variety of display modules each having adifferent display characteristic, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent technology;

FIGS. 17A-17B depict a display module having multiple display portions,in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIGS. 18A-18B depict a display module with interchangeable displayportions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 19 depicts a display module having first and second displayportions that provide different viewing states, in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology;

FIGS. 20A-20B depict a display module with a common display portionproviding different viewing states, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present technology; and

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an exemplary method of adjusting ahead-mounted display, in accordance with an embodiment of the presenttechnology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present technology is described withspecificity in this disclosure to meet statutory requirements. However,this description is not intended to limit the scope hereof. Rather, theclaimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, to includedifferent steps, combinations of steps, features, and/or combinations offeatures, similar to the ones described in this disclosure, inconjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover,although the terms “step” and “block” may be used to identify differentelements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted asimplying any particular order among or between various steps or blocksunless and except when the order of individual steps or blocks isexplicitly described and required.

At a high level, the present technology relates generally tohead-mounted displays, as well as components, configurations, and usesthereof. An exemplary head-mounted display may include a selection ofcomponents in a modular configuration, and also, may include anattachment mechanism for securing the selection of components to an itemof headwear (e.g., a helmet), allowing the head-mounted display to beused in a variety of different applications. Additionally, a displaymodule for the head-mounted display may be interchangeable and selectedbased on a desired corresponding display characteristic.

Turning initially to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an exemplary computingdevice 2 suitable for use with embodiments of the present technology isprovided. Computing device 2 includes a bus 18 that may directly orindirectly couple various components together, including memory 4,processor(s) 6, presentation component(s) 8, radio(s) 10, input/output(I/O) port(s) 12, input/output (I/O) component(s) 14, and power supply16. It should be noted that although some components depicted in FIG. 1are shown in the singular, they may be plural. For example, computingdevice 2 might include multiple processors and/or multiple radios. Itshould also be noted that additional or alternative components may beprovided with computing device 2, and the configuration shown in FIG. 1is merely exemplary.

Memory 4 may take the form of the memory components described herein.Thus, further elaboration will not be provided, but it should be notedthat memory 4 may include any type of tangible medium that is capable ofstoring information, such as a database. A database may include anycollection of records, data, and/or other information. In oneembodiment, memory 4 may include a set of embodied computer-executableinstructions that, when executed, facilitate various functions or stepsdisclosed herein. These embodied instructions will be referred to as“instructions” or an “application” for short.

Processor 6 may actually be multiple processors that receiveinstructions and process them accordingly. Presentation component 8 mayinclude a display, a speaker, and/or other components that can presentinformation through visual, auditory, and/or other tactile cues (e.g., adisplay, a screen, a lamp, a light-emitting diode (LED), a graphicaluser interface (GUI), or even a lighted keyboard).

Radio 10 may facilitate communication with a network, and mayadditionally or alternatively facilitate other types of wirelesscommunications, such as Wi-Fi, WiMAX, LTE, Bluetooth, and/or other VoIPcommunications. The radio 10 may be configured to support multipletechnologies, and/or multiple radios may be configured and utilized tosupport multiple technologies.

Input/output (I/O) ports 12 may take a variety of forms. Exemplary I/Oports may include a USB jack, a stereo jack, an infrared port, afirewire port, and/or other proprietary communications ports.Input/output (I/O) components 14 may comprise one or more keyboards,microphones, speakers, touchscreens, and/or any other item usable todirectly or indirectly input/output data to or from the computing device2.

Power supply 16 may include batteries, fuel cells, and/or any othercomponent that may act as a power source to supply power to computingdevice 2 or to other components, including through one or moreelectrical connections or couplings. Power supply 16 may be configuredto selectively supply power to different components independently and/orconcurrently.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, an exemplary head-mounted display 20 isprovided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.The head-mounted display 20 includes a display module 24, a display boom26, a base 28 coupled to the display boom 26, a power source 30, acommunication component 40, and an electronics module 32 mounted on anitem of headwear 22. In FIGS. 2A-2B, the headwear 22 is a helmet,although the head-mounted display 20 may be configured for securement toother types of headwear as well.

The head-mounted display 20 further includes a camera 38 attached to theelectronics module 32. The electronics module 32 provides aconsolidation of one or more components of the head-mounted display 20(e.g., computer processor(s), memory, position-tracking component(s),communication component(s), etc.). However, it should be noted that thecomponents associated with the electronics module 32 may also bedistributed at other locations about the head-mounted display 20 andcommunicatively connected to each other as necessary, rather thanconsolidated as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B.

The display boom 26 includes a first end 44 coupled to the displaymodule 24 and a second end 46 coupled to the base 28. The display module24 includes at least one display portion 42 and provides a correspondingdisplay characteristic. In one embodiment, the display portion 42 mayinclude a waveguide optic that is at least partially transparent forproviding an augmented reality display on which text, images, and/orother objects may be shown interactively with a real-timeviewed-environment.

The display module 24 and the display boom 26 are secured to each otherwith a releasable coupling 48 (non-limiting examples of which aredepicted in FIGS. 15A-15B). The releasable coupling 48 includes a firstmateable coupling 50 attached to the first end 44 of the display boom 26and a second mateable coupling 52 attached to the display module 24. Thedisplay module 24 may be interchangeable with other display modules eachhaving a separate mateable coupling that is also releasably securable tothe first mateable coupling 50 (e.g., by having a similar configurationas the second mateable coupling 52). The other display modules may alsoprovide different corresponding display characteristics than the displaymodule 24.

The second end 46 of the display boom 26 is movably coupled to the base28 with a movable coupling 56. The display boom 26 also includes firstand second movable joints 58, 60 which, in combination, providearticulation of the display module 24 relative to the base 28. Thedisplay boom 26 further includes first and second releasable couplings62, 64 that allow portions of the display boom 26 to be detached, suchas to allow modular configuration. It should be noted that the first andsecond movable joints 58, 60 and the first and second releasablecouplings 62, 64 depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B may or may not be used,depending on the desired functionality and configuration of thehead-mounted display 20.

The head-mounted display 20 further includes an attachment mechanism 66configured to attach the components of the head-mounted display 20(e.g., the electronics module 32, the display boom 26, the power source30, etc.) to the headwear 22. The attachment mechanism 66 includes rigidcoupling elements 68 and a strap 70 which may be used together to securethe various components of the head-mounted display 20 to the headwear22. As shown in FIG. 2B, each of the rigid coupling elements 68 mayinclude a concave (i.e., recessed) channel 72 for engaging an edge ofthe headwear 22, and additionally, a tensioning mechanism 74 may be usedwith one or more of the rigid coupling elements 68 for securing acorresponding rigid coupling element 68 against the headwear 22. Thehead-mounted display 20 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B also includes a microphone78 attached to the display module 24. The microphone 78 mayalternatively be positioned on the display boom 26, and may beconfigured to receive audio input from a user and communicate with oneor more computer processors and/or communication components of thehead-mounted display 20.

Any of the components of the head-mounted display 20 may becommunicatively interconnected with each other. To this effect,communication between components may be provided using a wirelessconnection (e.g., Bluetooth) and/or a wired-connection, such as thewired connection 80 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, which may extend through anypart of the head-mounted display 20 as needed to reach differentcomponents. The head-mounted display 20 may also be configured forwireless communication over a network, such as a cellular, Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, and/or satellite network, as well as any other wirelesscommunication modality, using a communication component that iscommunicatively connected to computer processors associated with thehead-mounted display 20. The communication component (e.g., which mayinclude a radio and antenna) may also be configured to provide, inconjunction with a position-tracking component, location-trackingability for the head-mounted display 20 through signal triangulation, aglobal positioning system (GPS) signal, or another tracking method.Additionally, each of the components of the head-mounted display 20requiring power may be connected to the power source 30 through one ormore power cables extending through the various parts of thehead-mounted display 20.

Referring to FIG. 2C, the display boom 26 of the head-mounted display 20shown in FIGS. 2A-2B is provided in multiple positions, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present technology. In FIG. 2C, the displayboom 26 is moved from a first position 82 to a second position 84. Thefirst position 82 may be considered a viewing position, at which thedisplay module 24 is at least partially in front of a user's face, andthe second position 84 may be considered a retracted position, at whichthe display module 24 is away from the user's face. At least one of thefirst and second positions 82, 84 may be user-configurable, and mayresult in activation, deactivation, and/or changed operation of one ormore components of the head-mounted display 20.

In this respect, the head-mounted display 20 may be configured such thatcomponents and functions thereof can change depending on whether thedisplay boom 26 is in the first position 82 or the second position 84.For example, when the display boom 26 is in the first position 82, thedisplay module 24, including any components thereof (e.g., microphone,eye-tracking camera, display, etc.), may have full operation, and whenthe display boom 26 is in the second position 84, the display module 24and any components thereof may be at least partially adjusted inoperation (e.g., put into sleep mode to save power). Certain components,such as a position-tracking component, may remain in operationregardless of the adjustments to the display boom 26, depending on theconfiguration.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, first and second movable couplings 86, 88usable to attach a display boom, such as the display boom 26 shown inFIGS. 2A-2B, to a base of a head-mounted display, such as the base 28 ofthe head-mounted display 20 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, are provided, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The firstmovable coupling 86 shown in FIG. 3A is a rotatable coupling forproviding rotational movement of a corresponding display boom, and thesecond movable coupling 88 shown in FIG. 3B is a ball-joint-typecoupling for providing multi-axis movement of a corresponding displayboom relative to a base.

Referring to FIGS. 3C-3D, a partial, cross-section view of an exemplaryreleasable coupling 90 for a display boom of a head-mounted display,such as the display boom 26 of the head-mounted display 20 shown inFIGS. 2A-2B, is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent technology. In FIG. 3C, the releasable coupling 90 is amechanical coupling having first and second releasing mechanisms 92, 94that can be engaged (i.e., depressed) to decouple an engaging mount 96from a base mount 95 to allow a display boom to be released from ahead-mounted display. In this respect, the releasable coupling 90 isconfigured to move between a first securing position, as shown in FIG.3C, and a second releasing position, as shown in FIG. 3D.

Referring to FIG. 4A, a cross-section view of a strap 98 for ahead-mounted display, such as the head-mounted display 20 shown in FIGS.2A-2B, is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the presenttechnology. The strap 98, of which only a portion is depicted in FIG.4A, may be rigid, semi-rigid, non-rigid, and/or may include an elasticresilience. In some embodiments, the strap 98 may be permanently fixedto headwear, such as a helmet or hat. To this end, the strap 98 mayfunction as more of a track for providing contacts for communicationbetween various components, as will be described. The strap 98 caninclude a cable 102, which may be a power and/or communications cable,extending through a channel 104 within the strap 98. The strap 98 canalso include a plurality of communication cables 106 exposed on an outersurface of the strap 98. The communication cables 106 may be configuredto mateably attach to a corresponding plurality of communicationcontacts 108, as shown in FIG. 4B. It is contemplated that in some otherembodiments, instead of a cable and channel, the strap 98 itself mayinclude integrated conductive lines having at least partially exposed,conductive surfaces that can provide similar communicative transmissionto a cable.

Referring to FIG. 4B, a partial, cross-section view of a component 100of a head-mounted display, such as the head-mounted display 20 shown inFIGS. 2A-2B, is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent technology. The component 100 includes the correspondingplurality of communication contacts 108 configured to be mateablyconnected to the plurality of communication cables 106 located on theouter surface of the strap 98. Due to the extending and circumscribingnature of the plurality of communication cables 106 on the outer surfaceof the strap 98, the component 100, which may be, for example, theelectronics module 32 depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B, may be secured to thestrap 98 at a number of different locations while still maintaining acommunicative connection. This flexibility in positioning the component100 may more easily allow weight distribution of an associatedhead-mounted display to be accomplished.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5C, a variety of exemplary tensioning mechanisms110, 112, 114 that may be used to attach components of a head-mounteddisplay to an item of headwear are provided, in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology. FIG. 5A depicts an exemplaryspring-based tensioning mechanism 110, which includes a movable element116, a fixed element 118, a plunger 122, and a spring 120 that biasesthe movable element 116 and the fixed element 118 away from each other,controlling a size of a channel 124 formed in the spring-basedtensioning mechanism 110, allowing for engagement with an item ofheadwear.

FIG. 5B depicts a screw-based tensioning mechanism 112 that includes amovable element 126, a fixed element 128, and a screw 130. A channel 132is formed between the movable element 126 and the fixed element 128, andthe screw 130 may be used to bias the movable element 126 towards thefixed element 128 to change the size of the channel 132 to provide aforce against an edge of an item of headwear positioned in the channel132, allowing the tensioning mechanism to be secured to the item ofheadwear.

FIG. 5C depicts an elastically deformable tensioning mechanism 114 thatincludes an elastically deformable element 115, which may be formed fromany material that provides an elastic resistance when biased (e.g.,flexible plastic, rubber, etc.). The elastically deformable tensioningmechanism 114 may be pulled open to engage an edge of an item ofheadwear, and then released to provide a force against the edge of theitem of headwear to attach the elastically deformable tensioningmechanism 114 to the same. It should be noted that the tensioningmechanisms 110, 112, 114 shown in FIGS. 5A-5C are merely exemplary, andother tensioning mechanisms, including those with different attachmentconfigurations (e.g., magnetic, adhesive, buttons, hook-and-loopfasteners, harnesses, etc.) are possible and contemplated in addition tothe examples provided herein.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6B, a partial, cross-section view of a releasablecoupling 134 for a display boom of a head-mounted display, such as thedisplay boom 26 of the head-mounted display 20 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, isprovided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.The releasable coupling 134 shown in FIGS. 6A-6B is a mechanicalcoupling, the components of which are movable between a first securingposition 136, as shown in FIG. 6A, and a second releasing position 138,as shown in FIG. 6B. Movement between the first and second positions136, 138 occurs through engagement of first and second releasingmechanisms 140, 142, which, when engaged as shown in FIG. 6B, decouplean engaging mount 144 of the releasable coupling 134 from a base mount146. It should be noted that the releasing mechanism 134 depicted inFIGS. 6A-6B is exemplary, and other configurations (e.g., havingmechanical couplings, magnetic couplings, male-female couplings, etc.)are possible and contemplated herein.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7B, an exemplary strap-based tensioning mechanism148 for a head-mounted display, such as the head-mounted display 20shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, is provided, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present technology. The strap-based tensioning mechanism 148 may beused to tighten or secure a strap, such as the strap 70 shown in FIGS.2A-2B, against an item of headwear, such as a helmet. The strap-basedtensioning mechanism 148 may be configured to move between a firstconfiguration 150 providing a first strap circumference, as shown inFIG. 7A, and a second configuration 152 providing a second strapcircumference, as shown in FIG. 7B, the second circumference beingsmaller than the first circumference for tightening against theassociated item of headwear.

Referring to FIGS. 8A-8B, another exemplary head-mounted display 154 isprovided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.The head-mounted display 154 shown in FIGS. 8A-8B is mounted on the itemof headwear 22 that is also depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B, and includes adisplay module 156, a display boom 158, a power source 162, a camera164, and an electronics module 166. The electronics module 166 mayinclude a computer processor, a communication component, aposition-tracking component, and/or other integrated system componentsin a consolidated configuration. It should also be noted that, indifferent configurations, the components associated with the electronicsmodule 166 may be distributed about the head mounted display 154, ratherthan consolidated, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8B.

A communication cable 174 is provided that extends from the electronicsmodule 166, through the display boom 158, and to the display module 156,to provide communication between the display module 156 and the one ormore computer processors located within the electronics module 166. Thehead-mounted display 154 also includes an attachment mechanism 176 forsecuring the display boom 158 to the item of headwear 22. The attachmentmechanism 176 includes rigid coupling elements 178 that attach to edgesof the item of headwear 22, and a strap 180 which, in conjunction withthe rigid coupling elements 178, may be used to secure the display boom158, the electronics module 166, and the power source 162 to theheadwear 22.

As shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, the display boom 158 includes a first end 182attached to a first rotatable coupling 184 and a second end 190 attachedto a second rotatable coupling 192. The first rotatable coupling 184 ismounted on a first rigid coupling element 186 of the attachmentmechanism 176 that is secured to a first side 188 of the headwear 22,and the second rotatable coupling 192 is attached to a second rigidcoupling element 194 that is secured to a second side 196 of theheadwear 22.

The display module 156 shown in FIGS. 8A-8B is coupled to the displayboom 158 between the first end 182 and the second end 190 of the displayboom 158. Additionally, the display boom 158 is movable (i.e.,rotatable) about the first and second rotatable couplings 184, 192. Thismovement allows a user to move the display boom 158 between a firstposition (shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B) where the display module 156 ispositioned in front of a user's face, and a second position, where thedisplay boom 158 and display module 156 are at least partially away fromthe user's face (e.g., folded up over a brim 198 of the headwear 22).

The display boom 158 of the head-mounted display 154 shown in FIGS.8A-8B further includes a component module 200 attached adjacent to thedisplay module 156. The component module 200 may provide additionalcomponents and functionality, such as a forward-facing camera 202 (e.g.,standard, infrared, and/or night vision) for capturing images and/orvideo, a rearward-facing camera for tracking eye movement of a user (seeFIG. 16C for an example), different sensors and detectors (e.g., atemperature sensor, air-quality sensor, radiation sensor, etc.) fordetecting environmental conditions, and/or any other components for aparticular application.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-9B, exemplary first and second display modules204, 206 alternatively coupled to a display boom 212 are provided, inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. In FIG. 9A, thefirst exemplary display module 204 is coupled to the display boom 212with a first movable attachment 208. The first display module 204depicted in FIG. 9A includes a non-transparent display (e.g., a microdisplay, which may comprise at least one of a LCD, LED display, OLEDdisplay, DLP display, etc.) that is adjustable relative to the displayboom 212, which may be similar to the display boom 158 shown in FIGS.8A-8B. The first display module 204 further includes a locking mechanism214, which may be engaged to allow the first display module 204 torotate relative to the display boom 212 (e.g., by pressing the button215), and then disengaged to allow the first display module 204 toremain in a fixed position relative to the display boom 212 (e.g., byreleasing the button 215).

In FIG. 9B, the second exemplary display module 206 is coupled to thedisplay boom 212 with a second movable attachment 210. The seconddisplay module 206 includes an optic that is transparent, partiallytransparent, and/or selectively transparent, and may be configured toprovide an augmented reality display in which text, images, and/or otherobjects are shown in conjunction with a real-time environment viewed bya user through the optic (e.g., the optic may be a waveguide optic). Thesecond movable attachment 210 allows the second display module 206 tomove relative to the display boom 212 in a number of differentdirections. The second display module 206 may be fixed relative to thedisplay boom 212 using the locking mechanism 214 and button 215, asdiscussed with respect to FIG. 9A. It should be noted that the lockingmechanism 214 may or may not be used, and retaining the position of thefirst and second display modules 204, 206 relative to the display boom212 may be provided through frictional resistance from the first andsecond movable attachments 208, 210.

Referring to FIG. 10, another exemplary head-mounted display 216 mountedto an item of headwear 218 is provided, in accordance with an embodimentof the present technology. In FIG. 10, the head-mounted display 216includes a display module 220, a display boom 222, a power source 224,and an electronics module 226, which may include one or more computerprocessors, position-tracking components, communication components,etc., in addition to other possible or alternative components.Components of the electronics module 226 may also be distributed aboutthe head-mounted display 216, rather than consolidated in theelectronics module 226 as in FIG. 10. The head-mounted display 216 alsoincludes an attachment mechanism 228 having rigid coupling elements 230and a strap 234, the rigid coupling elements 230 configured to engageedges 232 of the headwear 218, and the strap 234 configured to securethe rigid coupling elements 230 and the components of the head-mounteddisplay 216 circumferentially about the headwear 218.

FIG. 10 depicts a configuration having the display module 220 and thedisplay boom 222 mounted on a front portion of the headwear 218, whichin FIG. 10 is a full-brim-type helmet. The display boom 222 is alsocoupled to the electronics module 226 with a rotatable coupling 227,which allows the display module 220 to be rotated up and down between afirst position in front of a user's face (shown in FIG. 10) and a secondposition that is at least partially away from a user's face. The displaymodule 220 is also positioned at an end of the display boom 222 off to afirst side 229, and an additional component module 231 (e.g., which mayinclude forward and/or rearward-facing cameras, sensors, microphones,etc.) is coupled to the display boom 222 and positioned off to a secondside 233.

Referring to FIG. 11, an exemplary harness-coupling component 236 forattaching a head-mounted display to an item of headwear 242 is provided,in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. Theharness-coupling component 236 includes a plurality ofreceiving-channels 238 which are attachable to a harness-structure 240of the item of headwear 242. The harness-coupling component 236 isfurther coupled to a base 244, which may be movably coupled to a displayboom 246 (only partially shown), which may be similar to the displayboom 26 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B. The harness-coupling component 236 may beused in conjunction with other components of an attachment mechanism,such as those of the attachment mechanism 66 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B.

Referring to FIGS. 12A-12B, a partial depiction of an exemplaryhead-mounted display 248 that includes a sound-dampening ear-coverassembly 250 is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent technology. In addition to head-mounted displays and attachmentmechanisms for headwear such as helmets, embodiments herein may beconfigured for use with other protective and/or utility-based equipment,such as eye, ear, face, and/or head protection. In this respect, thehead-mounted displays discussed herein may be configured to satisfyvarious safety standards, such as those outlined in Section 5(a)(1) ofthe Occupation Safety and Health Act (“OSHA”), as well as 29 C.F.R.1910.95 for hearing protection, 29 C.F.R. 1910.135 for head protection,and 29 C.F.R. 1910.33 for eye and face protection, in addition to otherstandards.

Returning to FIGS. 12A-12B, the sound-dampening ear-cover assembly 250includes a first portion 256 and a second portion 258 that are movablycoupled to each other with a rotatable coupling 254. The sound-dampeningear-cover assembly 250 further includes a lever 260 that can be used tomove the sound-dampening ear-cover assembly 250 between a firstconfiguration 262, shown in FIG. 12A, where the first and secondportions 256, 258 are in a first position 251 relative to each other,and a second configuration 264, as shown in FIG. 12B, where the firstand second portions 256, 258 are in a second position 253 relative toeach other (the positions 251, 253 depicted in FIGS. 12A and 12B aremerely exemplary). The lever 260 may be attached to the first portion256, the second portion 258 (as shown in FIGS. 12A-12B), and/or therotatable coupling 254, in exemplary embodiments. In the firstconfiguration 262, the second portion 258 is in a relatively loweredposition, where it may abut and/or be compressed against a side of awearer's head, such that it substantially encloses a wearer's ear withinthe sound-dampening ear-cover assembly 250. In the second configuration264, the second portion 258 is in a relatively raised position, suchthat it may be moved away from the wearer's head (relative to the firstconfiguration 262), to more fully expose a wearer's ear from within thesound-dampening ear-cover assembly 250.

As a result, the head-mounted display 248 depicted in FIGS. 12A-12Bprovides the option of securing the second portion 258 against ortowards a wearer's head to provide greater sound protection by morefully enclosing the wearer's ear, and also, moving the second portion258 away from the wearer's head with the lever 260 to provide less soundprotection by less fully enclosing the wearer's ear, relativelyspeaking. In additional embodiments, latches, clips, straps, and/orother securement components may be used for securing the first andsecond portions 256, 258 in the first position 251 and/or the secondposition 253, or in other positions. The head-mounted display 248 shownin FIGS. 12A-12B also includes a mounting portion 272 that extendsthrough the sound-dampening ear-cover assembly 250. The mounting portion272 may integrally include one or more components of the head-mounteddisplay 248 (e.g., one or more computer processors and/or communicationcomponents) and may provide an attachment point for mounting a displayboom, as discussed further with respect to FIGS. 14A-14B.

Referring to FIGS. 13A-13B, a cross-section of the sound-dampeningear-cover assembly 250 depicted in FIGS. 12A-12B is provided, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present technology. As shown inFIG. 13A, when the sound-dampening ear-cover assembly 250 is in thefirst configuration 262, the first and second portions 256, 258 are inthe first position 251, with the second portion 258 in a relativelylowered position, allowing it to at least partially surround and/orenclose a wearer's ear 265. As shown in FIG. 13B, when thesound-dampening ear-cover assembly 250 is in the second configuration264, the first and second portions 256, 258 are in the second position253, with the second portion 258 at least partially separated,displaced, and/or moved away from the wearer's ear 265 (i.e., angledaway relative to the first position 251) to more fully expose thewearer's ear 265 from within the sound-dampening ear-cover assembly 250,thereby providing less sound protection compared to the firstconfiguration 262.

Referring to FIGS. 14A-14B, the head-mounted display 248 depicted inFIGS. 12A-12B is again provided with exemplary display boom attachments,in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. In FIG. 14A, afirst display boom 268 is provided, which is secured to the mountingportion 272 of the head-mounted display 248 with a rotatable coupling270. The first display boom 268 further includes a releasable coupling274 that allows the first display boom 268 to be secured/released fromthe rotatable coupling 270 (e.g., for replacement with another type ofdisplay boom). The releasable coupling 274 may be similar to thereleasable coupling 134 shown in FIGS. 6A-6B.

In FIG. 14B, a second display boom 276 is provided, which is secured tothe sound-dampening ear-cover assembly 250. The second display boom 276is movably coupled to the second portion 258 of the sound-dampeningear-cover assembly 250 with a rotatable coupling 275. The second displayboom 276 also includes a releasable coupling 278, which may be similarto the releasable coupling 134 shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, that allows thesecond display boom 276 to be secured/released from the sound-dampeningear-cover assembly 250. It should be noted that the display booms 268,276 and mounting configurations thereof shown in FIGS. 14A-14B aremerely exemplary, and other configurations and locations are possibleand contemplated.

Referring to FIG. 15A, a first releasable coupling 280 for attaching adisplay module 284 to a display boom 286 of a head-mounted display, suchas the head-mounted display 20 show in FIGS. 2A-2B, is provided, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In FIG. 15A,the first releasable coupling 280 is a mechanical coupling having amale-female connector 292 and a releasing mechanism 294. The releasablecoupling 280 includes a first mateable coupling 288 located at an end ofthe display boom 286, and a second mateable coupling 290 located on thedisplay module 284. The first and second mateable couplings 288, 290 canbe releasably secured to each other to attach the display module 284 tothe display boom 286. Additionally, the first releasable coupling 280may be configured such that a different display module having a separatemateable coupling, which is configured like the second mateable coupling290 shown in FIG. 15A, may be joined to the first mateable coupling 288in order to utilize a display module with a different correspondingdisplay characteristic than the display module 284.

Referring to FIG. 15B, a second releasable coupling 282 for attaching adisplay module 285 to a display boom 287 of a head-mounted display, suchas the head-mounted display 20 show in FIGS. 2A-2B, is provided, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In FIG. 15B,the second releasable coupling 282 is magnetic-based and includes afirst mateable coupling 296 with a first magnetic polarity and a secondmateable coupling 298 with a second magnetic polarity that is oppositeto the first magnetic polarity, such that, as a result, the first andsecond mateable couplings 296, 298 are magnetically attracted to eachother. This allows magnetic attachment of the display module 285 to thedisplay boom 287. It should be noted that, as with the first releasablecoupling 280 shown in FIG. 15A, the second releasable coupling 282 maybe configured such that a different display module having a separatemateable coupling, which is configured like the second mateable coupling298 shown in FIG. 15B, may be joined to the first mateable coupling 296in order to utilize a display module with a different correspondingdisplay characteristic than the display module 285.

In this regard, it should be noted that exchanging one display modulefor another display module having a different corresponding displaycharacteristic may result in the computer processor(s) of an associatedhead-mounted display adapting to the new display characteristic. Forexample, different display modules having different correspondingdisplay characteristics may each have hardware identifiers and/orembedded metadata that, when detected by a processor of a head-mounteddisplay, such as upon attachment of a display module with a releasablecoupling, may cause the processor to load appropriate drivers toreconfigure the visual output to appropriately function with the newdisplay module. As another example, a user might manually loadappropriate drivers and/or display configurations for one or moredisplay modules that may be connected to a head-mounted display, or fora currently connected/used display module. Additionally, a processor ofa head-mounted display may store, such as in memory, a number ofdifferent drivers and/or applications configured to adapt the variousfunctions of the head-mounted display to a display characteristic of anattached display module.

Referring to FIGS. 16A-16C, a variety of display modules 300, 302, 304having different corresponding display characteristics are provided, inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. FIG. 16A depictsa first display module 300 that includes a first display portion 306coupled to a base 308. The first display portion 306 comprises a firstwaveguide optic 305 that may be transparent, partially transparent,and/or selectively transparent (e.g., for providing images, text, and/orother visual elements thereon in an augmented reality display). The base308 may include a mateable coupling, such as the second mateablecoupling 298 shown in FIG. 15B, allowing it to be attachedinterchangeably to a display boom 310, which may include a correspondingmateable coupling, such as the first mateable coupling 296 shown in FIG.15B. FIG. 16B depicts a second display module 302 that comprises asecond waveguide optic 307 with a circular shape to provide a differentfield of view than the first waveguide optic 305 shown in FIG. 16A. Thesecond waveguide optic 307 is once again secured to the base 308, whichis attached to the display boom 310.

FIG. 16C depicts a third display module 304 that includes a displayportion 312 that is non-transparent (e.g., a micro display, which maycomprise at least one of a LCD, LED display, OLED display, DLP display,etc.) for displaying text, images, and/or other objects (e.g., a PDFwith black text on white background). The third display module 304 isattached to the display boom 310 and further includes a user-facingcamera 314, which may be used to track eye movement of a user wearingthe third display module 304 (e.g., for document navigation), and amicrophone 316, which may be used for receiving audio input from a user(e.g., voice commands, communications over a wireless networkconnection, etc.). It should be noted that any of the head-mounteddisplays and display modules discussed in this disclosure may include auser-facing camera for tracking eye movement and/or a microphone forreceiving audio input, in addition to other components and features.

Referring to FIGS. 17A-17B, an exemplary display module 318 having firstand second display portions 320, 322 is provided, in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology. The first and second displayportions 320, 322 are secured to each other, and also, rotatably coupledto a base 324 with a rotatable coupling 326. The base 324 is releasablyattached to an end of a display boom 328. The first and second displayportions 320, 322 are coupled to each other at an angle, such that thefirst and second display portions 320, 322 are non-coplanar relative toeach other. As a result, when positioned in front of a user's face, thefirst and second display portions 320, 322 may each remain more angledtowards a user's eye than if the first and second display portions 320,322 were coplanar. The angle of the first and second display portions320, 322 may be configured based on a user's needs or preference. Thefirst display portion 320 may comprise a micro display and the seconddisplay portion 322 may comprise a waveguide optic, allowing multiplevisual displays to be provided on the display module 318. In addition,the display module 318 may be activated, deactivated, and/or otherwisehave its function modified by rotating the first and second displayportions 320, 322 in unison about a common axis 330, as shown in FIG.17B.

Referring to FIGS. 18A-18B, a display module 332 having first and seconddisplay portions 334, 336 is provided, in accordance with an embodimentof the present technology. In FIGS. 18A-18B, the first display portion334 is non-transparent (e.g., a micro display, which may comprise atleast one of a LCD, LED display, OLED display, DLP display, etc.) andthe second display portion 336 is transparent, partially transparent,and/or selectively transparent (e.g., a waveguide optic for providing anaugmented reality display). The first and second display portions 334,336 are coupled such that they are coplanar to each other (they may alsobe at an angle as shown in FIGS. 17A-17B), and also, are attached to areleasable mount 338. The releasable mount 338 allows one or both of thefirst and second display portions 334, 336 to be independentlyinterchangeable, allowing customization of a display characteristic ofthe display module 332.

Referring to FIG. 19, a display module 342 having first and seconddisplay portions 344, 346 (i.e., a dual-display) is provided, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The firstdisplay portion 344 is non-transparent (e.g., a micro display, which maycomprise at least one of a LCD, LED display, OLED display, DLP display,etc.) and is shown displaying text for a user to view at one viewingangle, and the second display portion 346 is coupled to the firstdisplay portion 344 and is at least partially transparent (e.g., awaveguide optic) and is showing a combination of a user-viewedenvironment and displayed text/objects 348 at a second viewing angle(i.e., an augmented reality display). The augmented reality displayprovides an interactive display of information, and may be used inconjunction with audible instructions provided concurrently from one ormore computer processors of an associated head-mounted display. In FIG.19, the second display portion 346 is above the first display portion344 relative to a user's field of view.

Referring to FIGS. 20A-20B, a display module 350 configured to providemultiple viewing states on a common display portion 352 is provided, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The displaymodule 350 shown in FIGS. 20A-20B is configured to go from a first state354, as shown in FIG. 20A, that is non-transparent (e.g., providingblack text on a white background) to a second state 356, as shown inFIG. 20B, that is at least partially transparent (e.g., an augmentedreality display). This configuration allows multiple viewing states(e.g., one for reviewing a document and one for seeing a real-timedisplay of the instructions from the document in the context of theactual environment viewed by the user) to be viewed interchangeablyduring use of an associated head-mounted display.

Referring to FIG. 21, a block diagram of an exemplary method 2100 ofadjusting a head-mounted display is provided, in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology. At a block 2110, a head-mounteddisplay, such as the head-mounted display 20 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, isprovided. The head-mounted display may comprise a display boom, such asthe display boom 26 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, having a first end and asecond end, such as the first end 44 and the second end 46 shown inFIGS. 2A-2B, the display boom movably coupled to a base, such as thebase 28 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, located at the second end, one or morecomputer processors, a power source, a first display module, such as thedisplay module 24 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, configured to provide multipleviewing states, and a releasable coupling, such as the releasablecoupling 48 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, comprising a first mateable coupling,such as the first mateable coupling 50 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, and asecond mateable coupling, such as the second mateable coupling 52 shownin FIGS. 2A-2B. The first mateable coupling may be located at the firstend of the display boom, and the second mateable coupling may be locatedon the first display module. At a block 1120, the first display moduleis releasably secured to the display boom by securing the first mateablecoupling to the second mateable coupling.

The present technology has been described in relation to particularembodiments, which are intended in all respects to be illustrativerather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art to which the present technologypertains without departing from its scope. Different combinations ofelements, as well as use of elements not shown, are possible andcontemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular head-mounted display, comprising: oneor more computer processors housed in a body of the head-mounted displayand operable to provide for display visual data to one of a set ofinterchangeable display modules when coupled thereto; a display boomhaving: a first end adjustably coupled to the body, and a second endhaving: a first coupling member that presents at least a first interfacecoupled to the one or more computer processors, and a releasingmechanism operable for disengaging one of the set of interchangeabledisplay modules from the second end of the display boom when coupledthereto; a first interchangeable display module from the set ofinterchangeable display modules having: a first display, and a secondcoupling member that compliments the first coupling member, the secondcoupling member presenting at least a second interface coupled to thefirst display, wherein at least the first and second interfaces areadapted to communicatively couple the first interchangeable displaymodule to the one or more computer processors when the first couplingmember is removably secured to the second coupling member, and whereinthe first coupling member and the second coupling member, when removablysecured to each other, provide an end-to-end connection between thesecond end of the display boom and an end of the first interchangeabledisplay module.
 2. The modular head-mounted display of claim 1, whereinthe first coupling member is removably secured to the second couplingmember with one or more magnets located on the first coupling memberand/or the second coupling member.
 3. The modular head-mounted displayof claim 1, wherein the first end of the display boom is releasablycoupleable to the body.
 4. The modular head-mounted display of claim 1,wherein the first coupling member is coupled to the second end of thedisplay boom via a ball joint.
 5. The modular head-mounted display ofclaim 1, wherein the first interchangeable display module is configuredto provide multiple viewing states and includes a first display portioncoupled to a second display portion in a non-overlapping configuration,the first display portion comprising a non-transparent micro-displaythat provides a first viewing state and the second display portioncomprising a waveguide optic that provides a second viewing state.
 6. Amodular head-mounted display, comprising: a mounting portion comprisingone or more computer processors; a display boom comprising: a first end,and a second end, the first end comprising a first coupling member and afirst interface communicatively connected to the one or more computerprocessors, the second end movably coupled to the mounting portion; anda display module, comprising: a display portion, a second couplingmember that compliments the first coupling member, and a secondinterface communicatively connected to the display portion, wherein,when the first coupling member and the second coupling member arereleasably coupled to each other, an end-to-end connection is formedbetween the first end of the display boom and an end of the displaymodule, connecting the second interface to the first interface.
 7. Themodular head-mounted display of claim 6, wherein the display module isadapted to provide multiple powered viewing states each having adifferent display characteristic.
 8. The modular head-mounted display ofclaim 7, wherein the display module comprises a first display portionconfigured to provide a first display characteristic and a seconddisplay portion configured to provide a second display characteristic.9. The modular head-mounted display of claim 6, further comprising areleasing mechanism operable for disengaging the display module from thedisplay boom by disconnecting the first coupling member and the secondcoupling member.
 10. The modular head-mounted display of claim 8,wherein the first display portion and the second display portion providenon-overlapping fields of view, and wherein the first display portionand the second display portion are selectively useable.
 11. The modularhead-mounted display of claim 8, wherein the first display portioncomprises a non-transparent display and the second display portioncomprises a display that is at least partially transparent.
 12. Amodular head-mounted display, comprising: a mounting portion having oneor more processors housed at least partially therein; a display boomhaving a first end and a second end, the second end of the display boombeing movably coupled to the mounting portion; and an interchangeabledisplay module adapted to be releasably secured to the first end of thedisplay boom, the interchangeable display module including a firstdisplay portion and a second display portion that are coupled to eachother in non-overlapping fashion, wherein the first display portion isconfigured to provide a first powered display state and the seconddisplay portion is configured to provide a second powered display state,wherein the first powered display state is a non-transparent displaystate and the second powered display state is an at least partiallytransparent display state, and wherein the interchangeable displaymodule is configured to selectively provide the first powered displaystate or the second powered display state.
 13. The modular head-mounteddisplay of claim 12, wherein the interchangeable display module isadjustably secured to the first end of the display boom.
 14. The modularhead-mounted display of claim 12, wherein the second display portioncomprises a waveguide optic that is operable to change at least adisplay portion, wherein the second display portion is positioned abovethe first display portion when the head-mounted display is in an as-wornconfiguration.
 15. The modular head-mounted display of claim 12, whereinthe first powered display state and the second powered display state areinterchangeably activated by rotating the interchangeable displaymodule.
 16. The modular head-mounted display of claim 12, furthercomprising a camera communicatively coupled to the one or more computerprocessors.
 17. The modular head-mounted display of claim 6, wherein thedisplay module is pivotable when releasably coupled to the first end ofthe display boom.
 18. The modular head-mounted display of claim 1,wherein the first and second coupling members comprise a male-femaleconnection assembly, and wherein the releasing mechanism comprises apair of depressible buttons positioned on opposite sides of the displayboom that are adjacent to a surface of the display boom on which thefirst coupling member is located.
 19. The modular head-mounted displayof claim 1, wherein one or more electronic components of thehead-mounted display remain in active operation when the firstinterchangeable display module is detached from the first interfacecoupled to the one or more computer processors.
 20. The modularhead-mounted display of claim 19, wherein the one or more electroniccomponents include at least one of: the one or more computer processors;a wireless communication component; a position-tracking component; amicrophone; and a speaker.